Frequently asked questions

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Instructions for updating the LEICA M (Typ 240) Firmware

Format an SD memory card in your LEICA M.
Turn off the camera and insert the card into an SD card reader – either integrated or connected to your computer. (A reader is required for Firmware up...

Format an SD memory card in your LEICA M.

Turn off the camera and insert the card into an SD card reader – either integrated or connected to your computer. (A reader is required for Firmware updates).

Download the Firmware file from the Leica M site using the “UPDATES” link.

Save the file FW_M240_1_1_0_2.FW at the top level of the card’s folder structure.

Remove the card properly from your card reader, insert the card into the camera and close the bottom cover.

Press the “INFO” button and hold it, simultaneously turn on the camera using the main switch.

The update process takes several 2-4 minutes. “Loading file…” appears on the screen.

When the update is done, a corresponding message appears on the screen. The Message disappears after some seconds.

Note:

If the battery does not have sufficient charge, you will see a corresponding warning message.

When DNG’s are downloaded via the USB Interface onto a PC, they are renamed to TIFF files.

This is a software bug in Windows XP. Windows is not able to identify the DNG format. Microsoft
has been informed by Leica about this fact. If DNG files are downloaded via a card reader, the files...

This is a software bug in Windows XP. Windows is not able to identify the DNG format. Microsoft
has been informed by Leica about this fact. If DNG files are downloaded via a card reader, the files
are identified properly. Nevertheless, even the “wrong” Tiff files can be opened normally in Capture
one and Photoshop Programs.This problem

When DNG’s are downloaded together with JPG’s via the USB Interface onto a PC, two TIFF files are copied instead of DNG+JPG.

Please use the Windows Scanner and Camera assistant to transfer the files instead of Windows explorer.

Please use the Windows Scanner and Camera assistant to transfer the files instead of Windows explorer.

I am trying to connect the camera to my Mac computer but the Mac software won’t recognise the camera. Is the camera compatible with Mac?

Many digital cameras appear as a hard drive on the desktop of Mac-OS. The M8 does not appear as a hard drive but as a camera device. For file transfer via USB a program like Image capture (part of...

Many digital cameras appear as a hard drive on the desktop of Mac-OS. The M8 does not appear as a hard drive but as a camera device. For file transfer via USB a program like Image capture (part of Mac-OS) or I-photo is needed.

With some SD cards, the picture numbers are reset even though the menu item “Picture Numbering” is set to “Continuously”. How can this be avoided?

This effect can be avoided by formatting the card in “FAT” standard instead of in “FAT32” standard.
Windows users can proceed as follows:
- Insert the card into a card reader
- Click on the respec...

This effect can be avoided by formatting the card in “FAT” standard instead of in “FAT32” standard.
Windows users can proceed as follows:
- Insert the card into a card reader
- Click on the respective drive in the Windows Explorer
- Click the right mouse button on the respective drive letter to select the item
“Formatting”
- Select “FAT” instead of “FAT32” under “File System”- Click on “Start”

Why is RAW data stored in the 8-bit format?

The LEICA M8 is equipped with a nearly loss-free compression of the image data in the case of files in DNG format. This doubles storage speed while requiring only half of the storage capacity. Duri...

The LEICA M8 is equipped with a nearly loss-free compression of the image data in the case of files in DNG format. This doubles storage speed while requiring only half of the storage capacity. During the prototype phase, tests were performed with a 16 bit version, but they did not reveal any image quality advantages. As a result, Leica opted for the 8 bit technology.

Can I use all SD/SDHC cards available in the market for the M8 and M8.2?

The choice of SD and SDHC cards in the market is already very big and is constantly growing. Therefore, Leica Camera AG is not able to do comprehensive compatibility- and quality testing with all a...

The choice of SD and SDHC cards in the market is already very big and is constantly growing. Therefore, Leica Camera AG is not able to do comprehensive compatibility- and quality testing with all available cards in the market. We recommend “Extreme III” or “Professional” from the leading brands such as “SanDisk” or “Lexar”. Using other card types, will not damage camera or card, but as especially “no name” cards do not respect the full SD or SDHC standards, Leica Camera AG cannot warranty full function with those cards.

When using one of the external viewfinders mounted on the hot shoe, a flash unit cannot be triggered due to the missing sync socket.

Remedy: In specialist stores adapters featuring a sync socket are available (e.g. from Hama, art. no. 00006951, for approximately € 12.50), thus allowing flash units to be triggered. It is not plan...

Remedy: In specialist stores adapters featuring a sync socket are available (e.g. from Hama, art. no. 00006951, for approximately € 12.50), thus allowing flash units to be triggered. It is not planned to include the socket in the LEICA M8.

Some of the SUMMILUX-M 35mm/f1.4 models (built from1961-1995, non-aspherical, Made in Canada) cannot be mounted on the LEICA M8 or cannot be focused to infinity.

In certain cases, these lenses’ rear baffle may collide with internal camera parts. These lenses can be modified by Leica Camera AG’s Customer Service, allowing them to be used on the LEICA M8.

In certain cases, these lenses’ rear baffle may collide with internal camera parts. These lenses can be modified by Leica Camera AG’s Customer Service, allowing them to be used on the LEICA M8.

Rechargeable batteries of other makes are now being offered for the LEICA M8. Can I use them without hesitation in my camera?

Tests with these batteries have revealed that they sometimes have considerably less capacity than the original Leica battery 14 464 (e.g. 1400mAh instead of1900mAh as in the case of the original)....

Tests with these batteries have revealed that they sometimes have considerably less capacity than the original Leica battery 14 464 (e.g. 1400mAh instead of1900mAh as in the case of the original). The other make battery is not equipped with the charging circuitry dedicated to the camera electronics, therefore malfunctions may occur, such as a false indication of the remaining capacity,
or the camera may switch itself off suddenly and unexpectedly. Above all, the camera’s warranty expires if malfunctioning is caused by the use of none-dedicated accessories (see warranty conditions in the Warranty Card). The mandatory protective measures for Li-ion batteries may be different from the original andtherefore insufficient in the case of these other make products. As a result, Leica will not accept any liability concerning any damage caused by using these batteries, including damage occurring during charging and transportation.